Marriage isn’t always easy. Even when both partners are completely committed to one another, challenges come up that threaten to destroy the relationship. If you’re a woman who is right now facing conflict in her relationship, you already know first hand how difficult it can be to remain positive and hopeful. This is even harder to do if your spouse has decided he wants a separation. Knowing what to do when your husband leaves you can ensure that you get another chance to rebuild your marriage.

First on the list of what to do when your husband leaves you is accept that the relationship is in a state of transition. Even if your husband has brought up the idea of a separation don’t mistake that for the beginning of the end. Many couples bounce back from time apart and even have stronger, more loving marriages. Instead of fighting him tooth and nail on the issue of him leaving for a bit, agree to it. You can actually use this to your advantage in several ways.

If you allow your husband to leave you’re also going to create a scenario that will ensure he’ll miss you. The old saying about the grass being greener on the other side applies in this case. Your husband may have a specific idea of what his life will be like once he moves out, but reality is going to be completely different. It won’t take him long to feel your absence from his life. He’ll miss you and that’s a very good thing. It’s also going to allow him some crucial time to think. It can be hard to focus on what we really want when we’re in the middle of a stress filled environment. Once he’s on his own he’ll have more than enough opportunity to reflect on his life and exactly what you mean to him.